Wenger hopeful on Cesc

Fabregas: Hamstring woe

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Arsene Wenger is hopeful Cesc Fabregas does not require a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a recurrence of his hamstring injury.

The Spain international emerged off the bench in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Aston Villa and he scored twice before tweaking his knock again.

Wenger has confirmed the recurrence, however, he says it is too early to ascertain the severity of Fabregas' latest blow just yet.

The French tactician is crossing his fingers Fabregas has only suffered a minor tweak but fears he could be out for three weeks.

"It's a recurrence of his hamstring," he told Sky Sports. "We knew that before the game that it was not perfect.

"I decided to put him on the bench. We were in a situation where he was needed.

Regrets

"We'll see if we have long regrets or short regrets. I don't believe it's too bad. He doesn't think it's too bad.

"We do not know yet if it is a recurrence of the pull or just scar tissue.

"If it is scar tissue then it is a few days, but if it is a reoccurrence, then it is three weeks. So let's hope it's only scar tissue."

The win lifts Arsenal into second in the table, prior to Manchester United's game at Hull City, and Wenger cannot emphasise the importance of the win.

The Gunners have responded superbly to their 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea and Wenger believes they are title contenders once again.

"It was a very important game because it's a good opportunity to go close at the top of the table," he continued.

"It's important for the team to know that they can win big games.

"I believe we were dominant and I always thought in the last 20 minutes we could make the difference.

Good test

"With Villa you're defensive solidity is tested because they are very good on the break.

"I'm very happy tonight because we were solid defensively. We were also patient, steady and we took over in the second half."

Arsenal have been linked with a striker in January with Robin van Persie on the sidelines and Wenger has confirmed they will do business if a deal is right.

"Let's say we're in the market with our eyes open," he concluded. "If a good opportunity shows up we'll do it."